The role of science in tackling South Africa’s water crisis was the focus of the UNISA Water Imbizo held in Pretoria, where experts and government officials discussed systemic and structural challenges affecting communities nationwide.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in developing integrated, science-driven solutions. He called for collaboration between government and academia to devise practical strategies.
“Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions informed by data, guided by science, and capable of being implemented at scale. Scientific capability must find expression in municipal systems, infrastructure operations, and daily management of water services,” Mahlobo said.
He also raised concerns about ageing infrastructure, which has contributed to non-revenue water surging to approximately 47%, and highlighted the ongoing threats from vandalism and attacks on water resources, often linked to alleged water mafias.
Despite these challenges, Mahlobo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stabilizing the sector through improved municipal performance, stronger oversight, and the National Water Crisis Committee, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Imbizo follows the recent launch of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF), a partnership between the Water and Sanitation Ministry and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) aimed at combating corruption and protecting water resources.
